OldUser

Congratulations with passing exam and the journey nearing the end! I never understand why it's generally assumed that N-400 is the easiest part of the immigration journey. US citizenship is the highest immigration benefit one can be granted by US government. Once it's granted it's not easy to denaturalize a citizen. I totally understand why USCIS scrutinizes the applicants hard, as it's the last chance to ensure the right decision is made. I will be walking into my interview with expectation to prove my case, with the lawyer and all paperwork despite an easy straightforward case. I think it's not uncommon to get a tough interview for N-400 like you did. P.S. From what I understand, you also applied based on marriage to a US citizen (3 year rule)?

Do not worry, this is very typical if you search Visa Journey.

My understanding is, it's a "filler" status between biometrics taken and next action such as RFE, interview notice or approval. This gap may last many months. So I don't believe in "actively" part of the status. In reality the case sits on the shelf for months before getting adjudicated in 15-30 mins by IO when the time comes.

You get access code in the mail, allowing you to add your case to USCIS online account and track documents there.

If she hasn't entered the US with IR-1 visa in 2023 and it got endorsed, she won't need to file 2023 taxes. She'd file 2024.

I would expect it by January 10th, considering how busy USPS is due to holidays

But if she withdraws I-751, I'd think extension letter is void? Though she has a I-551 stamp. Yeah it's a mess and a law exam question...

I don't think I-360 can be used for reentry into the US

4-6 weeks

I hope you realize how diffucult it is for a young Indian lady of marrying age to get a student visa? Plus if she has family in the US? Plus if she had GC before?

I'm not surprised. Give USPS a chance. They're busy processing all holiday mail right now. If you don't receive it by January 15-20 2024, I'd start inquiring.

The instructions for AOS would be 99% the same be it a marriage case or sponsorship for parents. You need to file I-130, I-485 and all other forms as guide for AOS suggests.

As long as you're OK with a risk of GC getting lost in transit. I vote for leaving the US with GC in hand.

The longest waiter might be @mindthegap

Not concerned at all. It works half of the times

To add: OP can go to SSA office anytime and file SS-5 form to replace SS card. The new card should not have restrictions.

It will likely come to the address you provided in I-751

You're LPR you don't have a visa

1.5 was the norm for late 2021 filers. It may be shorter / longer for current filers. I didn't have an interview.

Yes, you likely will have more scrutiny based on the past. USCIS still has your file. They'll likely research it when dealing with your case. You may have stokes etc. I wouldn't be surprised. At the same time, nobody knows for sure what would happen.

Whose account you're trying to add I-751 to? If it's a US citizen's account (with approved I-130 petition in it) it probably won't work. The code to use also comes in USCIS physical mail, not email.

Ok, I think the website asks whether you've been out of the US in the last 5 years. If you answer "yes", and then "yes" to question whether it was more than 6 months, you get a question whether the USC spouse was in the army, working for the US government etc. If you answer "no" to that, then the website thinks you're not eligible. So... Maybe filing on paper is a better option or you wait for 5 years then online system will be happy 😃 So here is the thing, IO may also think you're ineligible because you broke continuous residence in the last 5 years. You should be OK, and the lookback should be 3 years if applying under 3 year rule, but I'm not a lawyer. @PJMERK did you have a reentry permit when you left? Did you keep assets (property, bank accounts) in the US while you were away? If no ties were maintained, with no reentry permit technically, USCIS can conclude that you abandoned your residency and attempt to strip you of your LPR status. It won't be fast and the likelihood of this is miniscule, but there's still a chance.

What's the Resident Since date on your Green Card?

Either it's because you had break in residency and website is not smart enough or you answered something incorrectly.

It's not a problem. I'd hold off changing names until N-400 in several years (if you still need it then). It would make immigration things much easier for you.